High-Flying Excitement Supports Coastal Guardians

Coastal safety will be firmly in the spotlight at the 2024 Pacific Airshow Gold Coast through its renewed charity partnerships with Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) and Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club (SPSLSC). 

These close collaborations, extending through to 2027, highlight the airshow’s commitment to community service and safeguarding of Gold Coast beaches.

The iconic red and yellow helicopters of WLRHS will once again perform crowd-favourite demonstrations of their life-saving rescue operations above Surfers Paradise, while SPSLSC volunteers will be keeping a watchful eye over swimmers enjoying the airshow from the water.  

Both charities and their crews will be interacting with the locals and airshow attendees on ground across the 16th – 18th of August, sharing the importance of their responsibilities and how the support through donations from the local community goes such a long way.

A long-time Gold Coaster, Pacific Airshow Director of Event Operations Sam Pearce said he was eager for the airshow to highlight these critical rescue services.

“It’s fantastic to be teaming up again with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service team and Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, especially as the club is gearing up for an incredible 100th beach patrol season,”

“By joining forces, we’re not only showcasing an unforgettable airshow but also supporting the invaluable work of the WLRHS and SPSLSC in making our beaches safer every day,” said Pearce.

Ken Clark OAM, the General Manager of Aviation for WLRHS, expressed his pride in the partnership, highlighting Pacific Airshow as an invaluable opportunity for the Gold Coast and the service itself.

“The Airshow provides a platform not only for showcasing our capabilities but also for community engagement and fundraising to support our critical missions,” said Clark.

“The service’s commitment to safety is exemplified through regular patrols of beaches, especially during weekends, school holidays and peak seasons, ensuring the wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.”

Selina Macdonald from the SPSLSC shed light on the importance of the partnership and awareness that it brings to the club on a national scale.  

“Partnerships enable us to continue our mission of keeping our beaches safe and saving lives and on Surfers Paradise Beach,” said Selina.  “We're grateful for this partnership, which not only highlights the importance of our continued volunteers work in the community but also provides essential funding for crucial live saving equipment as the club enters the 100th Patrol Season.

Make sure you keep an eye out for both the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter activation along with the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club BBQ and marquee through out the event weekend to donate. 

For more information about Pacific Airshow Gold Coast and how to contribute to our selected charities, click here.